Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu – (Happy Year). This is the year (2025) of the Wood Snake. According to East Asian astrology 2025 will be a mix of opportunity, difficulties, potential and renewal. Snakes shed their skin and emerge anew. In a similar fashion we should...
According to sutra Shakyamuni saw the morning star at dawn on the 8th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar and attained awakening. This occurred after six years of arduous practices which prepared him for this final period of realization. He embarked on an...
Last month, I was fortunate enough to attain Enryakuji’s Endon Jukai, on Mt Hiei, Japan. This is the formal ceremony of taking the 10 Major and 48 Minor Bodhisattva Precepts as outlined by the Tendai school’s founder Dengyo Daishi Saicho. Though my time on the...
Thirty years ago this month Shumon and I returned to the states after living abroad, first in Brazil and about six years in Japan. For almost two years before returning to the States we had planned on starting a village temple, modeled on Tamonin, the village temple...
In our spiritual communities we often focus on the leaders of these groups. In the Buddhist sangha we hope to support all the sangha members in their contributions to community. Leadership, both clerical and laity, are important in organizing and maintaining the...
